Program information
Gouin Pool & Waterslides is located in Franklin Park and is a prized feature of Veterans Park District. The pool is open seasonally from late May until late August. VPD offers summer aquatics programs such as the VPD Swim Academy (with swim lessons for six progressive skill levels), parent and child swim lessons, tot swim, and private swim lessons. Adult fitness classes include Aquacize ® and AquaZumba ®. New youth programs at Gouin include Jr. Lifeguard Training, Water Basketball, and an Aquathon. Swim Camp is also available for kids ages 6-12 for two weeks in August.
During the off-season, VPD offers its Swim Academy at the indoor pool of Leyden High School.
Currently Offered
Please check our Summer 2024 Program Guide for complete information.
VPD Swim Academy
Sign up for Veterans Park District Swim Academy! All classes are taught by Ellis Certified Lifeguards and Swim Instructors. This 6-level program will teach your child to develop their swimming skills and strokes. Each level will review and enhance the skills your child has already learned and introduce them to new strokes and techniques.
Level 1 — Water Exploration
Focuses on supported front and back floating, beginning arm movements, an introduction of safety skills, supported kicking on front and back, fully submerging face and more.
Level 2 — Primary Skills
Introduces unsupported floating with kicks, rhythmic breathing, freestyle, backstroke orientation, holding breath underwater and more.
Level 3 — Stroke Readiness
Includes improving skill competency, deep-water work, including elementary backstroke, treading water, front and backstroke, front and back glide and more.
Level 4 — Stroke Development
Provides a solid reinforcement of the foundation strokes. Breaststroke is introduced and sidestroke is reinforced. Intermediate survival skills and water safety are a focus for this level. Basic diving is introduced.
Level 5 — Stroke Refinement
Includes a review of backstroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke. Butterfly and surface dives are introduced. More advanced survival skills and water safety are also included in this level.
Level 6 — Stroke Proficiency
Flip turns and endurance training are the main objectives of this level. In addition, racing starts from the blocks will be introduced. This class is a good preparation for children interested in joining the swim team.
LEVELS 1-6, Age 6+
Session 1 – Jun 10-21
Session 2 – Jul 1-12
Session 3 – Jul 22-Aug 2
Diaper Dippers
Parent-Child Aquatics
Age 6m-3y
Splash, splash! Join is in this sunny parent–baby class! Learn to be safe in the water with your baby! Play games, sing songs and help your child learn to swim. This class will cover kicking, blowing bubbles, floating and other basic skills to introduce your child to swimming.
Dates: Jun 5-26 and Jul 10-31
Tot Swim
Age 3-5
Have fun while learning to kick, float, bob and glide in the water. This is a great way for your child to learn to be safe and comfortable in the water.
Dates: Jun 5-26 and Jul 10-31
Junior Lifeguard Program
Age 11-15
Want to become a lifeguard? Get a head start on your first job. This course gives students the basic knowledge in rescue and pool procedures. Students will be certified in 1st aid and CPR and receive the opportunity to shadow a real lifeguard.
Dates: 11-15 Jun 17-Jul 26
Individual/Private Swim Lessons
Age 4+
Individual lessons provide one-on-one instruction for swimmers age 4 to adult at any level.
Dates: Jun 10-20, Jul 1-11, Jul 22-Aug 1
Adult Swimming Lessons
Age 18+
These classes are for beginners as well as those looking to improve their swimming technique. Everything from floating to freestyle will be covered in this class! In addition to the basics learn front crawl, breaststroke, and backstroke.
Dates: Jun 5-26 and Jul 10-31
AquaZumba in Pool
Age 16+
Heat up the pool! Jump into the Latin-inspired, easy to follow, calorie burning dance fitness class, that makes working out a splash.
Dates: Jun 15-Aug 3
Aquacize
Age 16+
In this class, it’s pure isometric exercise, which means your weight against the water. We use various water tools to assist in exercise. We will work our whole body doing a variety of interesting movements.
Dates: Jun 15-Aug 3
Locations
Gouin Park Pool and Water Slide
2400 Scott Street, Franklin Park
West Leyden High School
1000 Wolf Rd, Northlake, Entrance 11
Registration Tip
Registration can be taken over the phone, on our website, or in person during registration hours at any one of our facilities: George A. Leoni Complex, Grant Park, Cimbalo Fitness Center or Gouin Pool.
Registration Locations
Grant Park
44 W. Golfview Dr., Northlake
Phone: (708) 343-5270
Fax: (708) 492-1801
George A. Leoni Complex
800 N. 17th Ave., Melrose Park
Phone: (708) 716-4822